Trance
Joy Fielding
Trance
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joy Fielding
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
There’s a secret world hidden beneath the everyday, where mysteries twist and nothing is quite what it seems. Someone is trapped in a trance, caught between dreams and reality, and the truth is more surprising than anyone could imagine. But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Trance is a middle-grade fiction novel by Joy Fielding that weaves a mysterious and suspenseful story suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. The book explores themes of mystery and imagination without intense violence or mature content, making it a fitting choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy thrilling stories with subtle suspense. Parents should know this story contains mild suspense but remains appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated Trance 11LE
Trance is written at a Level 6 reading level across 275 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Trance works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Trance as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Trance explores mystery, imagination, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, imagination, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The reader
Traci Chee
The reader
Traci Chee
Triffic
Jean Little
Triffic
Jean Little
Trin Wins over the Blahs
Lisa Monegain
Trin Wins over the Blahs
Lisa Monegain
The dream
Lucy Freeman
The dream
Lucy Freeman
Traumreisen
Horst Foth
Traumreisen
Horst Foth
Trapped
Fran Macilvey
Trapped
Fran Macilvey
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0671169696
- Pages
- 275
- Publisher
- New York : Jove Publications
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Fiction